2025-09-16

Mount Mary Public School, Maalam, hosted the Wings of Awareness orientation session as part of the ongoing district-wide initiative led by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) conceived and supported by Buimerc India Foundation. This unique birdwatching-based educational project is designed to promote hands-on learning, cultivate environmental awareness, and strengthen students' observational skills by immersing them in the rich avian biodiversity around them. The project will be implemented across 20 schools in Kottayam District, engaging around 1,000 students and 60 teachers.

The gathering was welcomed by Mrs. Chichoottyy Joy, the teacher coordinator, and she expressed the school’s enthusiasm in becoming a part of this visionary program.

The inaugural address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Sam Ottakallil, School Manager, who graciously acknowledged the dignitaries and underscored the profound importance of learning from nature and observing the world around us as a path to holistic education.

Following this, Dr. Punnen Kurian, Director of TIES, shared his introductory remarks and elaborated on the concept of experiential learning, helping students understand the educational philosophy behind the program. He outlined the vision, objectives, and anticipated outcomes of the Wings of Awareness initiative, inspiring students and teachers alike to fully engage in the journey ahead.

A baseline survey was then conducted for both students and teachers, setting the foundation for tracking learning progress and engagement throughout the program.

The core segment of the session was a comprehensive class on ornithology, conducted by bird expert Mr. Ajayan Kumar M.N., Director Board member, TIES. His lively and interactive session on bird species, behavior, and identification techniques captivated the students. Their curiosity and eagerness were evident as they asked questions and shared observations, creating a dynamic learning environment.

Participants were then equipped with field guides and naturalist diaries, which will serve as essential tools during their birdwatching activities. Dr. Punnen Kurian guided the students on how to use these materials effectively for accurate and meaningful field documentation.

To conclude the session, Ms. Suhaana, Project Officer of Wings of Awareness, introduced the CROW app, a specialized digital platform developed for the project. She explained how students can use the app to log bird sightings and contribute to the collective data pool of the initiative.

The programme was coordinated by Chichoottyy Joy, faculty and Limna Alena Baby, an intern at TIES.